Breast reconstruction using the large back muscle

In a few cases, you have the option of breast reconstruction using a pedicled skin and muscle flap from the back. Usually, the amount of skin on the back that can be used for breast construction is limited. This flap can only be used for people who have considerable fat on their back and relatively small breasts. If the required breast volume exceeds the available tissue on the back, this technique can be combined with the placement of an internal prosthesis. In this case, the implant is inserted and fully covered by the muscle component of the flap. The skin component of the flap serves to reconstruct the skin envelope of the breast.

In a flap reconstruction, additional scars are inevitable. The scar of the latissimus dorsi flap is located on the back, but it can be sucessfully concealed beneath the bra strap. A back muscle is sacrificed but the impact on shoulder function is relatively limited (except for very sporty people).

If the latissimus dorsi flap must be combined with an implant, the same disadvantages mentioned above apply. However, the flap covering the implant offers a certain amount of protection, which means that complications such as capsular contraction, infection or implant extrusion occur less frequently.

Recognised Coordinating Breast Clinic

Breast cancer care programme, breast surgery, breast centre

Integrated Cancer Centre in Ghent

Integrated Cancer Centre in Ghent

Breast surgery

Breast surgery

Oncological surgery

Surgery in patients with cancer

Plastic Surgery

Reconstructive and aesthetic surgery

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Latest publication date: 13/08/2024
Supervising author: Dr Elzo Kraemer Ximena, Dr Vertriest Rudolf